INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS

[摘要] This conference comes at an appropriate time in our nation's history. As we move toward the close of the 20th century the full participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of daily life is gaining in importance. Never before have the needs, capabilites, and potential of people with disabilities received so much attention at all levels of government and in the private sector.This increase in awareness and activity has brought with it the recogintion that the disability community, like society in general, is a diverse community, made up of people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. The needs of this community are as complex as the community itself; they are influenced by such factors as age, gender, disability, and of course, cultural background.If we are to reach our goal of full participation for individuals with disabilities, our first task is to try to understand the various forces that shape the lives of individuals with disabilities in our society.The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative services (OSERS) supports the goal of full community integration for all persons with disabilities and their families. In our efforts to pursue this goal, we must consider the strengths and needs of children and their families from a variety of backgrounds. We must be aware of the unique ethnic and cultural values of children with disabilities and their families. These values give meaning to a particular illness or disability and affect current functioning and future developmental outcomes.It is especially important for policy-makers and service providers to understand the differences that exist among people in a culturally divergent society.

[学科分类] 儿科学